Tuesday, March 31, 2015

On the eve of the Taiwanese company Asus has finally announced the launch of its smartphone Zenfone 2 in Europe. Has already sold 10 million smartphones Zenfone, mostly in Asia, as well as in Brazil, as well as reaching sales of 1.5 million units per month, Asus has decided that the inhabitants of the European countries are also interested in Zenfone 2.

According to GSMArena, starting today in France will be available in three models Asus Zenfone 2. And soon they will be available in other European countries.

The top version of Asus Zenfone 2 with model number ZE551ML for a limited time will be available for 299 euros, and then its value will increase to 349 euros. The smartphone sports a 4 GB RAM, 32 GB of internal, quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor with a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz and 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Also, it is equipped with a pair of cameras: 13-megapixel main with dual LED flash and a 5-megapixel front, and has support for 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and memory card slot MicroSD. The smartphone comes with a battery 3000 mAh and the operating system Android 5.0 Lollipop coated Asus ZenUI on board.

After it goes Asus Zenfone 2 with model number ZE550ML, which has a 5.5-inch HD-display, quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz. The smartphone comes with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory and is available at 249 euros.

The most budget model Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550CL buyers will cost 179 euros. For the money they will get a smartphone with a 5-inch display with a resolution of 720p, 8-megapixel main and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory and battery 2500 mAh. He, like the other two models running Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Asus has announced the launch of sales in Europe external battery 10500 mAh for 39.99 euros, and removable covers for new smartphones for as low as 29.99 to 39.99 euros.

Also in the European market in sale popular laptops Asus. A series of tablets, Transformers Asus Transformer Book Chi is represented by the models T100 and T300. The first model is equipped with 10.1-inch display, quad-core Intel Atom processor with 2 GB of RAM, the Intel SSD to 64GB and is available at 399 euros, while Chi T300 is worth 699 euros and has a 12.5-inch Full HD display, Intel Core M with 4 GB of RAM and SSD 128 GB.

The cost ZenBook UX305 with QHD-screen 13.3-inch chip Intel Core M, 4 GB of RAM and SSD 128 GB in Europe is 699 euros. A powerful ZenBook Pro UX501, which we described earlier, will cost at least 1,299 euros. It has a 15.6-inch QHD-display, quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with graphics NVIDIA GTX960, SSD and 128GB HDD to 1TB.

What the user does not like OS updates? Especially this rhetorical question for those who were lucky enough to enjoy the flagship device of a particular manufacturer. But, unfortunately, the official announcement of the new version of the green robot does not mean that each of the vendors throws all the forces for an early upgrade their smartphones and tablets to the latest version. For example, Samsung and does not intend to update their devices to Android 5.1. At least for now.

Earlier, web rumors that the company is working on an update to Android 5.1 for the Galaxy Note 4, which also supposedly was to bring to the device and an updated version of TouchWiz, which appeared on the Galaxy S6.

However, the SamMobile , based on the information of its insiders, said that these rumors are unfounded. According to the resource, Samsung not working on updates to Android 5.1 not only to Note 4, but in general none of their devices. Also, no matter how sad about this report, no information and update the user interface to rethought version of the sixth “Galaxy».

Currently, Samsung has updated to Lollipop (5.0) only the Galaxy S4, S5 , Note 3 and Note 4. It is reported that the company is now focused on updating the A-line smartphones and possibly other older devices, but on a specific date, unfortunately, is not known.

Recall that changes in Android 5.1 has 15 thousand lines, of which we have isolated 10 most important to the user. Of course, the fact that Samsung is not working on an update now, does not mean that it does not appear in the future. Maybe it’s only here in priorities. Nevertheless, for some it may be another reason to hold off on buying a new device.

Jiayu S3 smartphone is available in two versions: a black body and white. On testing, we’ve got the machine in black.

It should be noted that also produced more “advanced” version of the model, referred to as the «Advanced». It has 3 GB RAM module and NFC (wireless connection “near-field”). Of course, such a modification would be more expensive.

Packaging and delivery Jiayu S3

Packing hero of the review was very simple, in the style of «Military»:

The box, which is packed smartphone, made of fine but strong cardboard. At its upper part – only the manufacturer’s logo; on one of the side faces – sticker with a very brief information; the most valuable of which – the name of the model (JY-S3). On the other side faces nothing.

But at the bottom of the box a lot of useful information about the device:

However, all technical information – in Chinese but on designations and quantities can be no translation to understand what’s what. For example, combinations of the form 5.5 IPS, 4G, GB 2 need not be translated.

Now open the box and see what’s inside:

There is hiding himself smartphone stuck on transport protection film with a company logo, depicting a young sprout plants, which stretches up to the sun.

We take out the machine and recline sideways “crib” in which he lay:

And here is where we see most of the equipment. In the box on the left side is the charger (bag is removed), in the middle – a battery with a piece of paper, right – USB-microUSB cable and an adapter for the charger with the flat network “Asian” round pins on “European”. Not much.

By the way, the adapter to “evrorozetku” quality, is put on the charger tight and hold on tight.

Let us consider the “charging”:

As you can see, it can give to the load current up to 1 A. Given that the smartphone used capacity battery (3000 mAh), the manufacturer should be put in a more powerful set of “charging”.

Also in the box is packed and paper document in the form of booklets in Chinese:

After its study it can be concluded that it is a warranty card:

To summarize simple package:

Self smartphone (including battery);

The charger and adapter for “evrorozetku»;

USB-microUSB cable;

Warranty card.

Of course, we can have a lot of requests for equipment, such as a headset, screen protector, protective cover, and so on. Obviously, the manufacturer is spared to make the price lower. But what really is not enough – Adapter USB-OTG, since, as will be shown further testing, USB port mode OTG (as host) are quite efficient.

As a result of the inspection and packaging supplied remained ambivalent impression. On the one hand, reduction of these components – direct financial benefit to the consumer. On the other hand, the realization of such a device does not fit as a gift. Or fit, but only under the condition that the donee person has high technical competence and be able to “check out” advanced electronic stuffing smartphone.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Kirt McMaster , executive director of Cyanogen, which prepares the most, perhaps, popular and best in the world unofficial version of Android, nurturing long conspiratorial plans to throw a direct challenge to Google. Just imagine David goes into battle with Goliath! And there are chances that the stone, aptly launched from a sling experienced hand, gets straight to the head of the giant, bringing down the giant ground.

And it is true: now is a good time to someone tilt. The mobile revolution launched iPhone, shows clear signs of stagnation since reached a new point of inflection. The number of smartphones on the planet will increase by 2020 from the current 2.5 billion to almost expected to 6 billion units. The cost of fast and feature-rich smartphones significant falls, opening the way for new players like Xiaomi, which has achieved unprecedented power in a very short period of time.

The market for mobile operating systems on 96% controlled by Google Android and Apple iOS. It’s kind of a game of chess, in which each side has to choose black or white. Cyanogen has desired to destroy the status quo by offering the world a third option in the face of CyanogenMod, or Cyanogen OS, the mobile platform with six years of experience, which essentially stems from Android, but spared the total control on the part of Google.

Recently, Cyanogen has received regular financial injections $ 80 million, the flow of which organized the social network Twitter, manufacturer of mobile processors Qualcomm, mobile operator Telefónica and media giant Rupert Murdoch. The investment round, after which the cost of Cyanogen close to $ 1 billion, was in charge of PremjiInvest; behind it, Azim Premji, the third richest man in India. Previously, the company received $ 30 million investment.

It is alleged that negotiations are underway between the Cyanogen and Microsoft: The first will allow the second integrated into the operating system a number of services, such as search engine Bing, voice assistant Cortana, cloud storage OneDrive, VoIP -Customer Skype, email service Outlook.

It’s no secret that the smartphone and tablet manufacturers, vendors of electronic components for them, as well as application developers – they are all very concerned that the Android ecosystem is in full power Google. This is especially true with rivals Mountain View in the people of Cloud Storage Box and Dropbox, music provider Spotify, messaging Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Snapchat, retail giant Amazon, etc., etc.. Still fresh lessons with personal computers when Microsoft, relying on monopoly positions Windows, restrict competition and dictate its terms to original equipment manufacturers. The third participant in the mobile battle would have been received with indescribable enthusiasm, as would give impetus to innovation and technological improvement.

At Cyanogen has a chance to drag into their camp as much as a billion devices – more than Apple sold iPhone for all time of its existence. 50 million people are turning to CyanogenMod in one form or another. Most of them go through the procedure of removing the factory Android and its subsequent replacement by John Doe. There is a growing list of vendors smartphones producing devices with already deployed CyanogenMod, and such products are made with the audience mad enthusiasm. It is believed that each such product is able to bring Cyanogen at least 10 dollars in revenue.

Of course, no one sleeps under the sun smartphones, and the players strengths and weaknesses, trying to bring up a third operating system that would be thrown firewood the fire duopoly. And with many such: Microsoft Windows Phone, BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion) BlackBerrys OS, Samsung Bada and Tizen, Mozilla Firefox OS, Palm (then Hewlett-Packard, and now LG) webOS, Nokia Symbian, Maemo and MeeGo, Canonical Ubuntu Touch , Jolla Sailfish. Talk about the history and future of these platforms can be infinitely long – one thing is clear: should take into account all the ups and downs, in order to replicate the success and avoid repeating mistakes.

Cyanogen CyanogenMod is going to make a completely open operating environment – this is not present at Android, or even more so iOS. If you increase the degree of openness, down to the core, while third-party developers and partners will be able to tightly integrate with the system of own services. Pros here congregation: Visa or PayPal will offer contactless mobile payments, which are better than Google Wallet; Skype will be integrated in the dialer; Spotify will be the default music player; there will be a strong alternative to Google Now.

The dependence of Google’s Android and its services like Play Store, Gmail and Maps and the truth is extremely high. Mountain View essentially usurped all stages of development the most common in the world of mobile platform, not allowing it to engage in collective development and issuing on-mountain ready version. In fact, only Amazon was able to translate option in the face of Android Kindle OS, which does not depend on the mood of the Internet Corporation.

It is appropriate to tell the story of the formation of Cyanogen and all that is connected with it now. In 2009, Steve Kondik, 40-year-old entrepreneur and programmer, started to modify Android to suit your needs, changing the user interface, increasing efficiency, reducing power consumption. Yes code Google-open system, it may be any modified. However, up to a certain threshold: until adjustments are made to the work of Google-key applications like Gmail, Maps, Drive and Play Store, where Internet Corporation earns advertising money and by which collects a bunch of information about users. Soon enough about Steve venture to build a community of hundreds of developers, each of whom contributed in what later became known as CyanogenMod. For the most Kondika similar course of events was completely unexpected.

T-Mobile G1, or HTC Dream, the first Android-phone.

Online forums have raised the hype around deeply and thoroughly customized version Android, and by October 2011 a million people have installed CyanogenMod on their smartphones. Eight months later, fans were five million. Samsung even drew attention to Kondika, inviting him to a research team in Seattle, however, resolve and continue to engage in the project. Now staff Cyanogen does not exceed 90 employees, but the development of CyanogenMod 9 thousand already absorbed. Third-party developers.

And while Steve Kondik plunged into the abyss of a code of “green robot”, Kirt McMaster vengeance worked for the benefit of various technology companies. At the peak of the boom “dotcom” he joined one of the startups, generously bred in Silicon Valley, then moved to Southern California, where he worked with digital marketing agencies. Next helped launch Boost Mobile, a prepaid cellular provider that later became part of Sprint. Finally, he worked in the field of production of Sony’s mobile strategy.

Steve Kondik (left) and Kirt McMaster.

McMaster, like many tehnogiki, entered the circle of fans of the first iPhone, but as he took an active part in brainstorming business ideas, had to agree with the prospect of opening up Android. In 2012, Kirt got a Samsung Galaxy S III, the first smartphone, which, in his opinion, has become a worthy rival iPhone. Although disappointed not forced to wait for itself: Android Jelly Bean, at the time of the last releases of Google-platform, this phone has not yet been prepared. As a result, McMaster set “firmware» CyanogenMod, which thanks to the army of free programmers are already included in its membership code “chews.” After that happened Kirti kind of baptism: if the mobile device can be thrown on the rails open source operating system, and fine details and customized to the needs of the user, hence, with the device itself, you can do whatever they please.

Just McMaster immediately through a social network LinkedIn made contact with Kondikom, and then on the phone offered to open the project plan to turn the company: “I am the head, you – responsible for technological issues. I’ll find the money. ” Steve invited Kirti in Seattle, where they met at a pub for a beer, in the foam which agreed unbridled enthusiasm and diligence Kondika McMaster. Resume the conversation came down to the alleged transformation of the company: and still some veterans complain about the Cyanogen community emerged from virtually nowhere corporate, but McMaster one flick of the wrist dispel all fears.

Investors took first Cyanogen more than cool: Is there hope that startup able to create a new operating system? Although then cash infusion followed witnessed the opposite. And something to prove, if millions of people have turned to CyanogenMod: even a tiny percentage of couples billion Android-devices – a great achievement.

At first glance, it may seem that CyanogenMod is not much different from the factory Android, more precisely Open Project Android Open Source Project (AOSP), – well, except that the icons and buttons look different. But do not let yourself be fooled: for more or less familiar façade completely different building, with lots of hidden rooms, secret passages and surprises. It seems no longer have to look for a bunch of add-ons that make Android more suitable for use. Many people choose a smartphone, placing exclusive emphasis on its low cost and do not care about improving the convenience of interaction with the operating system – and in vain.

First, CyanogenMod is available for an abundance of chic themed user interface, constantly updated library of fonts, sounds, boot animation and wallpaper home screens.

Second, at CyanogenMod have the ability to switch between physical keys Android-navigate virtual on-screen buttons. Of course, the effective area of ​​the screen is reduced, but the keypad is easily customizable: the buttons can be arranged in any order, remove unnecessary and add non-standard.

Third, CyanogenMod offers expanded gesture control. For example, double-tap the screen to wake your smartphone, remove it from standby mode. If “draw” on the display range, launch the camera application; letter V activates the flashlight; two-finger sliding up and down on or off the music.

Fourth, special attention is paid to CyanogenMod security and data protection. Thus, monitoring of Privacy Guard monitors what makes an application with user information. Stirring PIN Scramble the numeric keypad to set the password to unlock the screen device provides additional security. Blacklist blacklist prevents unwanted incoming calls people or advertising agents. Cryptography WhisperPush encrypts SMS messages CyanogenMod-user devices, no matter through what instant messaging client is in correspondence.

Finally, in the depths of CyanogenMod hides many utilities that the search of tricks and effects seen exciting experience for all lovers of picking a “green robot».

In the spring of 2014 appeared OnePlus One, after the second Oppo N1 smartphone gets CyanogenMod straight out of the box. About the features of this device “Sotovik” told in detail in the material « Overview OnePlus One: Smartphone dream ». The device turned out fantastic, combining high quality equipment, quality software and incredibly low price tag. Starting from an initial value of $ 300, One can easily put on the blades of the then all competitors. Except that they were hard to get. Coming OnePlus Two should become even more delicious, although no slot microSD-cards, no removable battery in it and is not expected.

Last year, McMaster and his team tried to bring to CyanogenMod and other manufacturers. I agree Micromax, one of the leaders in the Indian market, began selling Cyanogen-branded smartphone Yureka YU. Everything went well: local consumers enthusiastically adopted the flexible adjustment of Android-platform. In many ways, Micromax should trail laid by the Chinese giant Xiaomi, phones which snapped up in minutes. However, instead of developing an analogue of MIUI, another mega Android- «firmware” demand from Xiaomi huge human resources, was made the right decision to give these questions to outsourcing.

In general Cyanogen opened the door for a variety of vendors wanting to repeat business history Xiaomi, which creates decent quality products, and avoiding the plunge into greed, offering them at an affordable price every purse. In early March, Alcatel OneTouch, smartfonostroitel number seven in the world, announced that it would offer a 6-inch device Hero 2+, working under the Cyanogen OS, the commercial version of the project CyanogenMod, – for $ 300.

Moreover, Qualcomm, responsible for almost all mobile processors, including Cyanogen OS in the list of supported platforms that are compatible with Snapdragon chipset 200, 400 and 600, based on which products are available budget and mid-level. This is done in order to extend the range of mobile devices that can be deployed CyanogenMod.

reached an agreement with the US Blu, smartphones who firmly stood up in Latin America. The company will release its first Cyanogen-communicator, and he will be spared from a set of mobile applications Google, which found a worthy alternative. Thus, the application store Amazon Appstore substitute for the Play Store, the Opera browser is used to surf the web, instead of Chrome, maps and navigation are given into the hands of Nokia Here, instead of Maps, data is not stored in Drive, but in the clouds Dropbox and OneDrive. Search powered by Bing, and voice assistant stands Cortana – both services authorship Microsoft. When the above mentioned services are tightly integrated with the operating system, they are no worse than those Google.

Smartphones, such as those described should bring Cyanogen money. The company now earns very little trading skins, modify the virtual image of mobile devices. Financial flows will be opened when the developers of applications and services that are closely integrated with Cyanogen-communicators, will share with the firm. There may be all sorts of options transactions to extract profits from distribution and opening their own app store to the internal software purchases and adaptation services for specific countries. In some cases, Cyanogen will encourage, pinching off of their income, those device manufacturers who are working in the field of low profit margin.

Despite the militant mood of McMaster, Cyanogen able to succeed without harming Google. By the way, Sundar Pichai, the head of Android, Chrome and Apps, said that he does not understand the selling points of this startup. He also adamantly stated that smartphones are deprived of their Google-critical services are unlikely to be viable.

Sundar Pichai.

Well, most likely, luck Cyanogen lies in extracting opportunities lost Android, and especially in the segment of high-end devices, equivalent Apple iPhone. In any case, the aggressive statements McMaster nervous about Google, which is under the light of the antitrust spotlight, fearing once again enraging regulators. Free whether that last year’s autumn Mountain View expressed a desire to buy Cyanogen with all the guts, but the corporation was good, of course, refused.

Yes, Android and let herself Google – projects are nurtured NSA for any split and any myth-making mood of the community needs a common enemy, and as such it is now scheduled to be Google. In the attack!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Google continues to refine the platform Lollipop. Not all relevant Nexus-model vehicles received the first version of Android 5.1, as has already reached new build this platform. Google released the latest firmware based on Android 5.1.0_r3 (assembly LMY47I) smartphone Nexus and Nexus 5 6.

Traditionally every important update to Android accompanied by a rapid release of small update with corrections. Usually with the help of Google Updater fixes critical bugs, but sometimes it is a question only of minor shortcomings. Android Police reports that in the assembly LMY47I solved primarily problems associated with the SIM-cards, as well as fixed bug with TrustAgent API.

Unfortunately, no more important and expected changes in the update does not work: in particular, owners of Android-devices waiting for bug fixes memory leak in Lollipop, aggressive closing processes, excessive battery drain some of the features. Enthusiasts can download the new build for Nexus and Nexus 6 5 for the purpose of self firmware. Most owners of these devices is better to wait for the next few days OTA-update.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Google does not cease to update your system. Starting with Android 3.1, update interval of 6 months, it is long enough, given the scale of the updates themselves, because with each new version did not show us the cardinal. Android 5.0 rather an exception is necessary due to a sharp jerk of the market with respect to the soft component. In all there were about 40 updates. In this article, we will present only the most popular ones, but will have to choose the best for you.

Android 2.2 Froyo

It is this version has attracted most users at one time, it started with 2.2 noticeable growth of the customer base, and that “two point two” was the very function of the access point Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the system becomes much faster: to optimize the guys worked specifically.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

The most popular version during the existence of Android. Android growth peak occurred just during the emergence of gingerbread. The main changes are: Updated interface – it’s like the difference between 4.4 and 5.0, – improved energy efficiency, change the keyboard and more.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Completely redesigned interface Android has received since 3.0, which was intended only for tablets, but soon she got the support of all devices and acquired a number “four”. In fact, 4.0 has become the most innovative version, which at that time did not work very smoothly, had a large number of bugs, but even that did not scare customers.

Android 4.1-4.3 Jelly Bean

These versions began to work on the follow-up 4.0. On this interval Google bug fixes, optimize system performance, add useful features. After all, it should be understood that the interface does not play the most important role. About 20 percent of users are still on Android version 4.2.x, however, as I am. Note debut, and Google Now in version 4.1.1. A key feature of 4.2 is the support profiles. Do not stay aside and keyboard on which could now be “svaypat».

Android 4.4 KitKat

The main changes: active assistant Google Now. Your task – to say is already became a popular phrase “Okay Google». Not without its support ART-mode, which is now completely replaced the Dalvik. For users neizoschrennyh main change will be the new Google Home launcher, as well as the transformation of threads on white instead of blue. Android 4.4 is now the most popular version of Android, which is installed on 41% of devices, just think about these numbers. It is a measure of success, if you look at the previous “record».

Android 5.0 Lollipop

And finally, the most recent and most interesting version of Android,« Lollipop “was completely redesigned interface, which uses« Material Design »as the main driving force of all elements, whether animate or the shadow of the buttons. 5.0 operates on a standard ART, switch to Dalvik you will not leave. Note of the innovations and Project Volta, which will significantly increase the time of your smart phone.

Now it is your turn! Below select the best, in your opinion, the version of Android.